I'm bloated, having mood swings, and gaining weight -- WOOHOO!

Saturday, February 16, 2013

Hello, Sparkies! It's been a very long time since I updated -- sorry. It's just been a really crazy start to the "New" Year, and I just haven't had the energy to post as much as I'd like.

Starting in mid/late January, I've been going through a lot. My energy levels just completely dropped off -- I wasn't sleeping well even though I'd go to sleep at 8:30 and not get up until 6am, I could barely make it through the work day, and no matter how much water I drank or how nutritious my lunch was, I felt drained. But that's not all! I've been feeling SO bloated and pretty nauseated. Quite frankly, I feel like I'm having a 3-week long hangover. And then, to top it all off, I've gained a couple of pounds -- I'm around 166.

AND IT'S JUST THE BEST THING EVER!!!

Why?

Because it just means I'm in my first trimester!

That's right, I'm PREGNANT! After just a month of trying (which is crazy, I know!), Miles and I are already expecting a dear little Dough Ball (yes, that's the nickname. It's a play on our last name, Miles' occupation, and the "bun in the oven" joke). I found out on January 13th, and I'm currently 8 weeks, 4 days pregnant. My due date is September 25th -- almost exactly one year after my sister's baby was born!

At first, my doctor though my due date would be the 18th because my last period was 22 days before I conceived. But because I had been doing the basal body temperature tracking, I KNEW 100% that we made our little DB on January 1st. How perfect is that? I completed my first New Year's Resolution on the very first day of the year!

Right now, there are just a few people who know: Both sets of parents and siblings, my BFFs Courtney (who called me 4 days after I found out and said, "Are you pregnant? I've had this funny feeling since Sunday that something big was going on with you." ) and Frankie, and my supervisor (because she has to fill in whenever I have an appointment).

SO IF YOU KNOW ME IN REAL LIFE, PLEASE DON'T SAY ANYTHING ON FACEBOOK! THIS IS NOT PUBLIC YET AND I HAVE CLOSE FRIENDS WHOM I WANT TO TELL IN PERSON BEFORE IT'S FACEBOOK-PUBLIC. THANKS!

So far, everything has been going very well, except for everything I detailed up there. Here is what nobody tells you about being pregnant: THE FIRST TRIMESTER SUCKS. You're SO tired and some days, you just cannot make it through the day without a nap. You smell things differently (my car smelled like bbq chips one day, and a couple of my students really stink). You suddenly have weird cravings and aversions that make eating and cooking stressful. My guts have been seriously screwing with me -- I've craved milk and toast like nobody's business, but I'm also 90% sure they're causing my bloating and GI issues. And what's worse is that you just can't talk about it yet because there's still a risk of miscarriage, so you feel awful but can't explain to anyone what's plaguing you!

But it's really not all bad. I'm so excited about this experience! I'm learning all I can about natural pregnancy and birth (I'll go to a hospital if I might die -- otherwise, I'm sticking with my midwife), planning out a freaking AWESOME dinosaur-themed nursery, and getting stupidly excited about hosting a gender-reveal party. I'm going to be one of THOSE Mamas-to-be, and I won't apologize!

Miles and I met with a midwife yesterday, and it really gave me a kick in the butt regarding my diet lately. Like I said, my diet is starting to take a toll -- or rather, it is compounding the common GI issues of the 1st tri. Just as the constipation and grumbly guts are starting to really get to me, the midwife says, "We are all about gut health. We want to make sure you're eating right and taking the best pre-natals possible. Are you eating fermented foods?" She expects a food diary and everything. It's exactly the push I needed to be better accountable to my dear Dough Ball. My food aversions are not that bad, and kale is really good, so it's time to get my act together. (And do another Whole 30! During my second tri, when I'll have energy and my midwife's blessing)

So that's where my life is at, and why I haven't updated in so long. But I suck at keeping secrets, so you guys get to know before some of my closest friends!

I'm finally having a baby, and there's nothing that could make me happier. Just 7 months and 9 days until I meet my Dough Ball!